Centrifuge Modeling of Mangrove Root-Inspired Systems for Coastal Protection
Centrifuge Modeling of Mangrove Root-Inspired Systems for Coastal Protection
Coastal zones are increasingly threatened by climate change-driven hazards such as sea level rise, intensified storm surges, and progressive shoreline erosion. Traditional engineering solutions (such as seawalls, revetments, etc.), while effective in specific locations, often lead to unintended ecological damage. As a sustainable alternative, this study investigates the use of mangrove root-inspired systems for enhancing coastal resilience through a combination of bio-inspired design, physical modelling, and centrifuge testing. The research aims to replicate and assess the stabilizing effect of mangrove root in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) coastal environment. Natural tree roots were scanned using 3D imaging, and digitally processed to extract morphological and architectural traits. A modular test package was designed and assembled for use in a geotechnical centrifuge facility, incorporating a custom wave generator and sloped test bed to simulate realistic coastal boundary conditions under elevated gravitational acceleration. One pilot centrifuge test is conducted at 30g. Results indicate that wave-induced erosion is dominated by an initial adjustment phase, followed by a transition to a quasi-stable bed state. This work contributes to the growing field of nature-based solutions by offering an innovative approach that combines ecological mimicry with physical modelling.
P. Kumar; Tarek Abdoun; W. El-Sekelly
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Special Session 8: Nature-based solution for sustainable geotechnical systems
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-283